Arrival and everyday life
Fingerprints at the border, your hotel address in Chinese and a few local customs.
- At passport control they take fingerprints from anyone aged 14 to 70. It is routine.
- Turn on your eSIM and open Alipay. To get to the hotel, take a transfer or a DiDi.
- Show the driver the address in Chinese. Keep it in the Kit in My trip.
- Loud talk and pushing in queues are more common than at home. Bring patience and a smile.
Last checked October 2026 against official sources.
Questions about arrival and everyday life
Will they take my fingerprints?
Yes, if you are aged 14 to 70. It is quick and routine. Then you collect your bags and go through customs.
Where do I fill in the arrival card?
Online before you fly, on the Chinese immigration website or in the NIA 12367 mini program in Alipay or WeChat. If you run out of time, you fill it in at the airport, on paper or on a screen.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
By official taxi from the marked queue, or with DiDi. Show the hotel address in Chinese. Say no to anyone offering a ride inside the terminal. The metro is cheap but tiring with bags after a long flight.
What should I do on day one?
Keep it easy. Turn on your eSIM, test Alipay with a small purchase and walk near your hotel, like Wangfujing in Beijing or the Bund at night in Shanghai. Go to bed on local time to beat jet lag sooner.
What are the emergency numbers?
110 police, 120 ambulance and 119 fire. Save your insurer's and your embassy's numbers too. At the hotel, reception can help you call.
What if I lose my passport?
Report it at the nearest police station, get a new or emergency passport from your embassy, then go to the exit-entry office for your exit permit. Keep a photo of your passport on your phone.